Hi Kimsky. Just noticed this thread whilst researching the background to the Earl of Chatham now that we finally have internet access. In the absence of any other way of communicating to you all I hope you won't mind me commenting and clarifying that we thoroughly enjoyed the folk jam sessions but couldn't justify the free drinks when (a) the turnout of customers coming into listen was, as you will agree quite low (however, this could be attributed to us just taking over or the fact that the pub is on the opposite side of town and not very well advertised but we are starting to rectify that, or as with everything else, these things have a shelf life and many of our locals (not all of course) were just not as receptive of the folk jam as they once were. We did provide free drinks but there was an in balance in turnover on the Wednesday night and we suggested that if people came into listen then we would continue the free drinks - unfortunately for the last 4 weeks this has not happened. I can assure you that our attitude towards you all was very positive and we did enjoy listening to the music you all play. I have been known to partake in folk jam sessions in and around Saddleworth on a regular basis. We didn't know percussion was an issue and this must have been something declined by the previous landlord but if anyone would have told us that this was an issue we would have welcomed percussion as I am not aware of anything preventing it here and we have the appropriate licences, also I most certainly would have joined in at some point in the near future. It is highly unfortunate that the Earl of Chatham has now lost a tradition and you have removed yourselves from a venue you have played at for many a year, we were somewhat shocked to find a post-it on the door on Thursday morning when we returned from a family members funeral - however judging from the positive feedback on your first night at the Kings it seems all is going well and we sincerely wish you the best of luck there. "Sometimes a change is as good as a rest" Or so they say - but if for any reason things do not work out there - the doors to the Earl of Chatham are open to you all. I am in the middle of arranging a new website and had given the folk night its own page. We plan to advertise the Earl of Chatham Inn and its activities, nationally, in particular on sites such as, Laterooms, Tripadvisor, Sugarvine, press adverts, etc. Once again good luck to all, Kathy and Mick are from our experience excellent hosts and as you are now more than aware we are still finding out feet. I sincerely hope that there is no bad feeling and hope that you share this email with the rest of the guys and girls with sincere apologies. We are sorry that you felt we were not receptive and that our intentions were either miscommunicated or misunderstood. Regards & Best Wishes Sharon & Peter